Community Pharmacy Shropshire

29/10/2026

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗣𝗖𝗙 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆

DHSC and NHS England have now published all the documentation related to the addition of prescribing into the CPCF and amendments to the Secretary of State Directions related to the Advanced services have been issued, providing the legal basis for prescribing to commence from today (29th October 2026).

You can access the documentation and read Community Pharmacy England's perspective and guidance on this development on their 'Prescribing within the CPCF' webpage here ⬇️

🔗 https://cpe.org.uk/national-pharmacy-services/advanced-services/prescribing-within-the-cpcf/

Pharmacy owners have been able to apply to provide prescribing services in the CPCF for 10 days and we understand that ICBs are currently processing the applications of a small number of early adopter pharmacies.

As we've mentioned previously, if you're thinking of signing up to deliver prescribing within the CPCF, please read all of the documentation contained in the link above to fully understand everything that is involved and what is expected.

As part of negotiations on the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) arrangements for 2026/27, it was agreed that prescribing (independent prescribing) would be introduced into the CPCF as an extension of Pharmacy First and the Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS) from the autumn of 2026.

27/10/2026

Delighted to work with Ravi Nagra, committee member and co-managing director & owner of MSN Pharmacy Group and the team at Tannery Pharmacy in Shrewsbury to raise the profile of community pharmacy.

Our chief officer, Lindsey Fairbrother and Ravi welcomed Julia Buckley MP to the pharmacy last Friday afternoon.

Comments Lindsey: "We really appreciate Julia taking time out of her schedule to visit a community pharmacy in her constituency. During the visit, we had the opportunity to discuss a number of areas with Julia including supply chain, the impact of closer ties to Europe, neighbourhoods and the fantastic work of pharmacy, particularly in relation to Pharmacy First and vaccination services.

"We also discussed the lack of immediate involvement of pharmacy in primary care plans, structures and who to influence, as well as price concessions, drug tariff and cash flow in pharmacy."

Adds Lindsey: "Before she left, Ravi was able to give Julia her flu jab and chat about the importance of having the vaccine."

21/10/2026

Yesterday was World Pharmacy Technician Day, an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the valuable contribution pharmacy technicians make to patients, communities and the wider healthcare system.

But, in our book, every day is Pharmacy Technician Day!

On behalf of everyone here at Community Pharmacy Shropshire, thank you to each and every pharmacy technician for the incredible work you do on a daily basis in our communities. You're simply the best!

16/10/2026

Next up in our '𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲' series is Helen Whitehouse. Over to you Helen!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲?
I'm Director of Operations at MSN Pharmacy Group, an independent, family-run community pharmacy group with branches across Shropshire and the West Midlands. My role involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business, supporting our teams, and helping to shape the strategic direction and future growth of the group.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗣𝗖 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿?
I believe it is important to have a voice for community pharmacy and to play an active part in shaping its future. Having worked closely with our branches and teams, I understand the challenges contractors face, particularly in an increasingly demanding and changing environment. I felt this was a good opportunity to contribute my experience, represent the views of contractors and help ensure that community pharmacy in Shropshire continues to thrive.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿?
Being approachable, listening to the views and concerns of fellow contractors and making sure those views are heard. I think it's important that we work collaboratively, share experiences and support one another, recognising that although we may operate in different ways, we face many of the same challenges.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗿𝗲?
To strengthen the voice of community pharmacy, raise awareness of the value we bring to our local communities and support contractors in navigating changes and challenges. I'd like to encourage greater collaboration and idea sharing, helping us make the most of opportunities to develop and improve the services we provide.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀?
By bringing a practical, operational perspective, sharing experiences and ideas from managing a multi-branch pharmacy group. I understand the pressures of balancing financial sustainability, staffing, service delivery and the expectations of patients and commissioners. I'm happy to share knowledge, listen to different perspectives and work with others to find practical solutions.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁?
Recognising and promoting the value of community pharmacy as an essential part of the NHS and the communities we serve. Our pharmacies are often the most accessible point of healthcare for many people, offering far more than just dispensing prescriptions. I think there is a huge opportunity for community pharmacy to play an even greater role in preventative healthcare and delivering clinical services, while ensuring that the people and businesses delivering those services are properly supported and valued.

06/10/2026

𝗖𝗣𝗖𝗙 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲/𝟮𝟳 - 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻
𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝟮𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

The first CPCF 2026/27 mandatory national health campaign commenced yesterday. It focuses on the expectation that pharmacy staff are treated with respect so they can undertake their professional practice safely, and in the best interest of both patients and the people working in our pharmacies.

How to meet the requirements of the campaign
Pharmacy owners must promote the campaign to the public during the campaign period (Monday 5th October 2026 to Sunday 25th October 2026).

You can use assets developed by NHS England or Community Pharmacy England. Links below:

NHSE - https://campaignresources.dhsc.gov.uk/campaigns/nhs-primary-care/nhs-staff-respect/pharmacy-assets/
CPE - https://cpe.org.uk/quality-and-regulations/clinical-governance/security-and-personal-safety/

You can meet the requirements of the campaigns in several ways, by promoting the campaign messages to the public, including any of the following:

✅ Displaying posters relating to the campaign topics at the pharmacy;
✅ Information on your pharmacy’s website; or
✅ Information posted on your pharmacy’s social media channels.

21/09/2026

On behalf of everyone here at Community Pharmacy Shropshire, we'd like to say a HUGE thank you to all of the contractors, pharmacy techs, team members, speakers and sponsors who joined us yesterday for our Learning Event & AGM 2026 Shrewsbury Town FC!

We've had some fantastic feedback so far from attendees and we think it's safe to say it was a real success. It was great to see so many pharmacy professionals together in one room and have a chance to catch-up properly over lunch.

Attendees got to take part in a practical session from Sanjeev Panesar NPA - National Pharmacy Association Board member focused on maximising growth and income, hear a presentation from our chief officer, Lindsey Fairbrother entitled: "But how else do I make money?", listen to Minesh Parbat FRCPharm, Chief Pharmacist and Clinical Director of Strategic Medicines Commissioning, NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire discussing NHS commissioning for the future including independent prescribing and the part community pharmacy can play, undertake phlebotomy training with Anoushka Guli and Claire Dixon from Tuli and meet up with a whole host of sponsors including the NPA - National Pharmacy Association, Cambrian Alliance Group, Xeinadin, RA Accountants, Hutchings Consultants Limited and Dermal Topical Innovation.

Finally, a big shout out to all of our fantastic committee members and services & engagement lead, Amanda Alamanos, for their hard work and creativity over the last few months to bring the whole event together; what an outstanding team!

If you have any questions or feedback following the event, please don't hesitate to contact Amanda via email: [email protected]

Same time next year?!

18/09/2026

Next up in our '𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲' series is Steve Virdee, who joined us last autumn. Over to you Steve!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲?
I’m an Area Manager for Morrisons Pharmacy, overseeing NHS service delivery, clinical governance, and operational performance across multiple sites.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗣𝗖 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿?
I care deeply about the people working in pharmacy and the challenges they face every day. Contractors are under increasing pressure, and I wanted to be part of something that listens, supports, and advocates for them. With my background in pharmacy operations and governance, I felt I could offer a balanced perspective—someone who understands both the frontline realities and the strategic direction we need to move in.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿?
Being approachable, honest, and helpful. I want contractors to feel they can reach out and be met with understanding and practical support. It’s important to me that we communicate clearly, act with integrity, and focus on solutions that genuinely make a difference. I believe in building trust, sharing best practice, and keeping patient care and team wellbeing at the heart of every decision.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗿𝗲?
I’d like to strengthen the connection between the LPC and contractors—making communication clearer, more relevant, and easier to act on. I want to support the rollout of clinical services in a way that feels manageable and rewarding, not overwhelming. I also hope to promote safeguarding awareness and help contractors feel more confident and supported in the work they do. Above all, I want to celebrate progress and help build a culture of pride and positivity across our network.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀?
I understand the pressures—staffing, compliance, service delivery—and I’ve seen what works across different sites. I can offer practical advice, share ideas, and help interpret national guidance in a way that makes sense locally. I want to be a steady, supportive presence—someone who uplifts others and helps them feel more equipped to succeed.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁?
I’m passionate about the role pharmacy plays in frontline healthcare. We’re already delivering vital services—blood pressure checks, minor illness consultations, contraception advice—and I believe we’re just getting started. With the right support and recognition, we can do even more to improve access, prevention, and patient outcomes. It’s about making sure our teams feel proud of the care they provide and confident in their ability to make a real difference.

14/09/2026

𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲!

Organised by Brook, a national charity that provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services, advice, and education, Sexual Health Week represents a great opportunity to promote the Pharmacy Contraception Service.

Community Pharmacy England and NHSE have lots of free resources available to help pharmacies promote the service, including emergency contraception.

You can download the resources here: 🔗 https://cpe.org.uk/national-pharmacy-services/advanced-services/pharmacy-contraception-service/

10/09/2026

𝗡𝗛𝗦 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀

Today, DHSC and NHS England have formally announced the final choice of the five new prescribing clinical pathways which will be added to the Pharmacy First service this autumn. They are:

✅ Acute otitis externa – for adults aged 18 years and over
✅ Seasonal allergic rhinitis – for children aged 4-11 years
✅ Mild to moderate acne – for young people
✅ Migraine – low frequency, episodic, adults aged 18-64 years
✅ Mild skin and soft tissue infections and scabies

The service pathways and launch are still being worked on by NHSE so public expectation could be that theses pathways are up and running. Advice to pharmacies is to communicate your intentions to local practices to manage expectations and potential demand.

You can read more about the announcement here ⬇️

🔗 https://cpe.org.uk/our-news/nhs-england-announce-the-new-pharmacy-first-prescribing-pathways/

In a media release issued today, DHSC and NHS England have formally announced the final choice of the five new prescribing clinical pathways which will be added to the Pharmacy First service this autumn. They are: Acute otitis externa – for adults aged 18 years and over Seasonal allergic rhi

10/09/2026

𝗔𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗭𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗰𝗮 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗙𝗹𝘂 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲)

If you and your pharmacy team have signed up to deliver the 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 this autumn and winter, this training webinar event from AstraZeneca is for you.

Full information about the online event can be found on the registration page via the link below.

Date: 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟭𝟴:𝟬𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝟭𝟵:𝟬𝟬 𝗕𝗦𝗧
Registration link: https://webapp.spotme.com/login/eventspace/pharmacy-flu-masterclass-2026